Connor Zilisch is preparing for a significant milestone as he readies himself to drive a GTP Cadillac at Daytona, with the Connor Zilisch GTP Cadillac Daytona moment marking a new chapter in his motorsport career. This development comes after a successful stretch in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series and shows Zilisch’s ambition to break into the top tier of sports car racing.
Zilisch’s Ascent Through NASCAR and Roadblocks to Le Mans
Last season, Zilisch outperformed his rivals in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series, recording the most wins of any driver. The series, however, rewards those who perform well in the final race, and despite his consistency, Zilisch did not clinch the title. Although missing out on the championship did not halt his progress toward a full-time seat in the NASCAR Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing next year, it did have unexpected consequences for his aspirations in endurance racing.
According to reporting from Daily Sports Car, Zilisch was slated to participate in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s rookie test in Bahrain following the season finale. The opportunity, however, depended on accumulating enough competition license points through U.S. events. Despite strong results, including notable sports car victories in an LMP2 and a runner-up spot in the Xfinity Series, Zilisch was unable to meet the threshold required for participation.
Daytona Opportunity with GTP Cadillac
Zilisch’s ambitions in sports car racing remain undeterred by this licensing setback. Reports suggest that he is on the verge of driving a Cadillac V-Series.R at the upcoming IMSA Balance of Performance test at Daytona later this month. This test drive is expected to be the first step toward becoming the fourth driver for either Action Express Racing or Wayne Taylor Racing in the prestigious GTP class at the 24 Hours of Daytona.
If Zilisch secures a racing seat for the Daytona classic, he would become, alongside AJ Allmendinger, one of the first two drivers from the NASCAR Cup Series to compete in the top class at Daytona since the LMDh and LMH-based GTP regulations were introduced in 2023. Allmendinger, who has previously won the race outright with Meyer Shank Racing under earlier rules, is confirmed to rejoin the Acura factory team for the 2026 event, underlining the level of competition Zilisch could face.
Paving the Way from LMP2 to GTP
Zilisch’s history at Daytona is notable. He debuted in the 24-hour race at just 17 years old, clinching an LMP2 class victory last year. In the most recent season, he competed in a Corvette entered in the GTD Pro category, further expanding his skill set. Advancing to the GTP class represents a considerable leap, putting him in line with the regulations used for the top class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Should racing schedules or special waivers permit, driving a GTP Cadillac at Daytona could be Zilisch’s launching pad for a future run at overall honors in the world’s most renowned endurance contest.
What Lies Ahead for Zilisch and Cadillac
This move underscores the evolving landscape of crossover between American stock car racers and international endurance events, with Zilisch joining the likes of AJ Allmendinger in exploring new opportunities both at Daytona and potentially on the world stage. The experience gained in the GTP Cadillac is set to not only boost Zilisch’s racing credentials but also position him as a contender for future major victories. The IMSA Balance of Performance test will be a pivotal first step, and all eyes will be on his performance, as teams such as Action Express Racing and Wayne Taylor Racing weigh their driver rosters for the iconic 24 Hours of Daytona and beyond.
